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Have you ever wondered how ODYSSEY® batteries are made or how each design feature sets these batteries apart from the conventional battery? Our engineering expert Ken weighs in on the importance of each design feature.
ODYSSEY® batteries are made of 99.99% pure lead – not lead alloy. The plates within are also thin and flat. How does this compare in regards to other, spiral-wound batteries?
Because spiral-wound batteries are placed in a rectangular case, space is wasted around the cells. ODYSSEY batteries feature thin, flat plates which utilize every cubic inch of volume with plates, active material and acid.
What is the advantage of the Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology?
Thin plates mean more of them can be placed in a given volume, which translates to more acid-to-plate contact area leading to more current carrying capacity. More current carrying capacity results in more starting power. Our pure lead grids do not corrode as quickly as lead alloy grids leading to longer battery life.
What are AGM plate separators and what are the benefits?
AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Matt. The AGM separator works very much like a sponge. They hold electrolytes between the lead plates within the structure to form a cell. Each cell is held tightly in the battery case to press the AGM separator firmly against the lead plates, thus increasing vibration resistance.
Tin alloy coated brass terminals are another main design feature. What was the thought process behind equipping ODYSSEY® Extreme Series ™ batteries with this feature?
The tin plating keeps the terminals from oxidizing. Lead terminals will oxidize from contact with air increasing the resistance of the connection at the battery cable, reducing current carrying capacity.
What are robust intercell connections?
A 12V battery is made up of 6 lead acid cells connected in series. These connections can be made in one of two ways. One way is to use a lead connector that goes over the wall separating the cells from each other. The second, stronger, way is to make a hole through the wall and connect the two cells with a straight, larger lead connection. With this connection, there is an increase in current carrying capability. Robust intercell connections, overall, are built, casted and bonded to resist vibration and eliminate internal sparking.
There are several things ODYSSEY® batteries do that others simply cannot. What design features allow for: Longer service life, longer cycle life, longer shelf life, faster recharge, extreme temperature tolerance and virtually maintenance-free?
All of these features can be traced back to our TTPL design. Our 99.99% pure lead grids and high purity electrolyte do not corrode as quickly as alloy lead grids. This leads to a longer service, shelf and cycle life, faster recharge, and extreme temperature tolerance. All ODYSSEY batteries utilize a sealed Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) design so water never has to be added making them virtually maintenance-free.
ODYSSEY batteries have been battle tested by the pros – that can be seen in applications from rally cross to BIGFOOT. What is the main feature that allows these batteries to hold up in such extreme conditions?
Our polycarbonate battery cases withstand a great deal of impact, shock and vibration. Our internal case design securely supports the AGM cells and the internal components of the battery. This tightly packed design resists failures due to vibration. In addition, the TTPL design delivers the necessary power these applications demand.
For more information on EnerSys and its full line of products, systems and support, visit www.enersys.com.
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